31. Office Impact Assessment
What is it?
Policy EC6 of the Plan Strategy relates to proposals for office development. Proposals for Use Class B1(a) general offices outside specified areas must comply with the sequential approach with those in excess of 1,000 sqm gross floor space accompanied with an impact assessment and an assessment of need as set out in Policy RET2.
Policy RET2 of the Plan Strategy relates to proposals for main town centre uses, including businesses (and offices). Proposals must demonstrate that there is not a sequentially preferable site in, or on the edge of, centres having regard to criteria of suitability, availability and viability; and submit a retail impact assessment of need for proposals that have a floor space of 1,000 sqm gross and above.
An Office Impact Assessment sets out how the requirements of Policies EC6 and RET2 are addressed in respect of larger scale office proposals.
When is it required?
An Office Impact Assessment is required with planning applications for Use Class B1(a) general offices of 1,000 sqm gross floor space or greater outside the specified areas described in Policy EC6 of the Plan Strategy.
What should be included?
An Office Impact Assessment should:
- demonstrate that there is not a sequentially preferable site in, or on the edge of, centres having regard to criteria of suitability, availability and viability; and
- include a retail impact assessment that demonstrates the impact of the proposal either by itself, or in combination with other committed development proposals, on the vitality and viability of centres within Belfast and its catchment.
Applicants should refer to the by step approach set out in paragraph 3.3 and paragraph 3.5 of the Retail and Main Town Centre Uses Supplementary Planning Guidance.
Guidance
Further guidance is contained in the Retail and Main Town Centre Uses Supplementary Planning Guidance.
